Filing cabinet



Fea b. 9, 1932.. R. J. WOOD 1,844,376

FILING CABINET I Original Filed Feb. 15, 1924 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Pd) 9, 1932. J, WQQD 1,844,376

FILING CABINET Original Filed Feb. 15, 1924 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Feb. 9, 1932 UNITED STATES PATENT ounce RODNEY J. WOOD, 0F DAYTON, OHIO, ASSIGNOR T0 REMINGTON RAND INCL, 0F BUFFALO,

NEW YORK, A CORPORATION OF DELAWARE FILING CABINET Original application filed February 15, 1924, Serial No. 693,057.

September 17, 1928.

My invention relates to card filing devices and more particularly to a protected file unit or box to contain a succession of data sheets or record cards, with u'icans to enable the selection of a desired card or data sheet with facility and dispatch, while preventing unauthorized tamper-inc with the records or the removal oi: such sheets or cards.

In the present invention there is embodied a box-like container, having a transparent imrinally locked lid or cover through which the data sheets or cards may be observed, the container having access openings therein through which a .tpatula or other suitable instruinent may be inserted for the purpose of turning the cards or separating the collection o't cards into portions by oscillating them to and fro to expose any selected card. To facilitate the turning over or oscillation of the cards within the container, the access openings for the spatula or implement are preferably located in a movable section, in the present instance in a traveling belt, which passes over guide rollers at the corners of the lid. and is intermittently advanced by the pulling effort upon the inserted spatula or in Hl'llllHGIlt, necessary to turn or separate the cards. In lieu of the endless belt there may be employed a succession of short rollers arranged side by side with sul'licicnt play or lost motion to permit the insertion of the separating; spatula between any two rollers, or such access openii'igs for the insertion of the cardturning; inr ileincnt may be made in a reciprocatory bar, mounted in the side of the con tainer. if it is desired that cares or data shtcts shall be placed in the tile box or container. the transparent lid is provided with spaced transversely arranged slots through which additional cards or data sheets may be deposited betwcei'i particular guides of the card or sheet. collection within the box. If it is desired to lock the container against such deposit of additional cards or data sheets, transverse stop bars or wires are provided which by relative movement of the slotted transparent top and such stop wires are brouul'it into registry with the slot or moved out of registry at the will of the operator. To

rill l prevent the deflection of a card or data sheet Divided and this application filed Serial No. 306,438.

over or around such stop bar, the transverse rods or bars are preferably channelled. The relative adjustment of the slotted transparcnt top and such stop rods or bars is controlled by a key-operated lock. The object of the invention is to improve the structure as well the operation of file boxes or containers whereby they will not only be cheapened in construction and economical in manufacture, but will be easily and quickly operated to effect the selection of the desired card or data sheet, compact in form, adaptable to a wide range of uses and unlikely to get out of repair.

A further primary object 01' the invention is to provide full and complete protection against the intentional abstraction o-r accidental ioss of record cards or data sheets, or the alteration of records contained thereon by rendering the information or data sheets contained. in the tile box inaccessible for re moval or alteration or destruction, yet easily and quickly available for observation.

A further object of the invention is to provide improved. protective means for a series ot cards or data sheets, which while preventing removal. or tampering therewith, will nevertheless enable the addition or insert-ion at selected points of additional cards or data sheets and to further provide means for lockingthe tile box or container against the insertion of such additional record sheets.

lVith the above primary and other incidental objects in view as will more fully appear in the specification, the invention consists of the features of construction, the parts and combinations thereof and the mode of operation or their equivalents as hereinafter described and set forth in the claims.

Referring to the accompanying drawings wherein is snown the preferred, but obviously not necessarily the only form of embodiment of the invention, Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the assembled filo box or container, showingthe cards therein, and a file index mounted on top of the box or container. Fig. 2 is a longitudinal sectional View of the lilo box or container, with a series of cards therein. Figs. 3 and 4 are detail perspective views of a slotted closure top in unlocked and locked positions. Fig. 5 is a bottom plan view partly broken away of a transparent top or lid removed from the box or container. Fig. 6 is a sectional perspective view of the transparent closure lid, showing the relation of the endless traveling aperturedbelt. Fig. 7 is a detail perspective view illustrating amodification wherein a series of independent rollers are employed in lieu of" anapertured belt. Fig. 8 is a side elevation-ofthe 'lid or closure partly broken away, illustrating a reciprocatory bar having apertures therein to be employed in lieu of the belt or. rollers.

Like parts are indicated by similar characters of reference throughout the several views. I

Referring: to thesdrawings, 1 is a box or container preferably, though not necessarily formed from sheet-metal and having hollow walls 2, which afford stability. The box 1 is adapted to contain a series or collection of file cards,.data-sheets or other record cards 2.

They are supported in inclined grouped rela-..

tion by an adjustable follower 3,- movable longitudinally by a screw shaft 4' in the bottom of :the, box, and operated by a revoluble knob 5,.projecting exteriorly thereof- At the forward portion of the box, is provided a hinged plate or follower 6, operated by a push rod or stem 6", to'os cillate-rearwardlysuch portion of cards-2 as may ha ebeen shifted forward to expose a selected card or data sheet. The container 1 is provided with a closure lid 7, whichmay be hinged to the box 1 butwhich is normally lockedto prevent access to the box or. container, and tampering with the cards or data sheets. therein. The box lid or'coverisprovided with. a transparent panel 8, through which. the inscriptionsupon the cards or data sheets 2inay be observed. In the event that it' is intended that additional. cards or data sheets shall be inserted or deposited within the box or container between: certain selected cards of the collection 2, the transparent panel 8 is composed of aseries of spaced sectionsof transparent material preferably glass, leaving therebetween narrow slots or crevices 9. Such slots 9 are of comparatively narrow width, only sufficient to admit the card or sheet to-be deposited, but not wide enough. to permit the. insertion of any implement by which the 'depositedcards or sheetsmight be withdrawn; I-f the file; container is intended merely as-a depository for records to which no additions are tobe made bypersons not having. access to the c'ontainer,.the transparent observation panel 8 may be continuous throughout and. the depository slots-9-may be omitted. However, by providing for the deposit of such additional record cards through the slotted top, the vfile maybe employed. for

' stock accounting, directory purposes, or for workmens time records. In such application, theguide cards of the file group 2 may indicate different classes of stock of which additions and deductions are indicated upon record cards deposited between the guides. Likewise the guides may indicate districts of delivery routes and the deposited cards may comprise a directory of such districts or routes, to which additions may be'made from time to time. When used as a pay inasters record,the guides may disclose the names or numbers assigned to different work men whose dialy time cards may be filed by being deposited through the slots. Whether provided with the deposit slots or not, the, file may be used for a series of' protected ledger cards. In any event, the record upon any card or sheet may be observed through the transparent panel, upon-separating the cards by the spatula inserted through the lateral access opening, and-from time to time additional cards or memoranda sheets may be deposited if desired,.through the slots in association with particular previously filed cards. To provide forv the locking of such cover against the insertion or deposit of additional sheets or cards, the spaced transparent sections of the panel 8 are mounted in a suitable frame 10, which inturn is mounted for limitedreciprocatory movement in a fore and aft direction, or transverse to the direction of the slots 9 in the cover lid 7. The to and fro movement of this transparent framed panel is controlled by a key-operated lock 11, the ordinary lock bolt of which is connected to the panel frame, so that the frame is shifted to and fro asthe lock is manipulated. Fixedly secured tranversely in the main frame of the closure lid or top 7, and in spaced relation corresponding with that of the deposit slots 9, is a series of stop bars or wires 12. These stop bars or wires are preferably, though not necessarily, channelled, and are approximately ofthe size and shape of the ordinary umbrella rib of the preesnt time. By the to and, fro shifting movement of the transparent panel 8, the deposit slots 9 thereof are moved into and out of registry with the stop wires or bafiies 12. When such slot 9 is out of registry with the stop wire or baffle 12, the record card or data sheet may be freely inserted as shown in Fig. 3. However, when adjusted to bring the slot 9 into registry with the stop wire or bafiie 12, the slot will be closed, and. the insertionof additional sheets or cards prevented,as shown in Fig. 4. The grooved character of the baflie wire or stop 12, causes the trapping or engagement of the edge of the sheet or card, which might otherwise be passed over or around the stop baffle, and into-the container.

In the event that the file box or container is employed as a record-file or to hold cards and sheets pertaining to personal transactions, as stock and bond records, signature cards for banks, policy records or the like, the records within the container may be divided numerically or the divisions and suboivisions may en'ibody both letters and numora s, in which event on ulphol'ictioul name indrii 13 is 'n'e'lerobly though not necessarily mounted on top of the container or box.

in n god beneath l5.

To enable the selection of any desired cord, :ind sepnrnlirm of the collection or group of record cards 2? into portions to expose the se lected card by tiltin portion. oil such curds 'lin-raordly. the box container 1 provided in the side wall thereof. with. a series of iced up rtures 16. .33. spatula: or other thin bladed instrument 1.7, may be introduced through our one of the spot-to cs 16. and by l 4 through the tronspor 1111331191 8 oi 1e operator may guide such spatula one; 1? between any two adjacent Y movement of the split-rile or so- .ment 1?. those cords in advance oint of separation may be tilted 11 01" in the raunc manner that u cord file is d by n iuil manipulation when access is :ilimded direct to the cords. There being; :2 series of the onertu res 16 which are locate; ut spaced 1 terv the operator selects the A conrenicnt to the point oi? operation or n other words. close to the cord to be selected. The yrcup or collection of may be separated at diiierent ertino; the implem nt 13 through out apertures 1". and then transmitting h such insru'ted implement 17. the mossury to tilt the advance portion of 'orwnixlly. These ope-r cs 16 for You the ."lectii rumeut 1.7

the cord the inse.

nniv l loc in the .le wall of the l t. or re icr. l'lowcvor. Tor conrenie oi epeintion. they are movable in relation with the co tuiner, whereby instead of s pryor oscillatory mrwement ot the impleus is necessui to separate the rec- =rheii the apertures ere stationery. the i implement l? may be drawn forwardly und thus be made to follow the udvnnce oi the tilted or separated portions oi: the cords or room-d sheets. lJliile several methods of rnublingr such shittii movement of the scimplemont 17, and the sport 1 "which the im 'il nent the pr-oft d co lo the corners of the closure lid T in. which the lures 16 are i l T is provided at one side it 1th h which the traveling belt end by which the slot is closer. except i apertures 16 in the traveling; belt. The belt 18 may be of any suitable flexible material. It may be of thin metal, or of composition. However, in practice a. leather belt 18 havingthe apertures 16 formed therein at intervals is found very satisfactory particularly in View of the fact that it is noiseless in its movement. The implement 17 being inserted through an aperture 16 of the travelingbelt 18, in close proximity to the card to be selected, and thence inserted between the selected card and the one in advance thereof, the implement 1'? is bodily drawn forwardly indicated by the arrow in Fig. 1, carrying with it not only the separated portion of the cards within the box or container, but also the traveling opertured belt 18. By employing on endless belt passing entirely about the closure lid 7, it is not necessary to return the belt preparatory to the next selecting; operation. After each operation, the endless belt 18 is left in its advanced position and upon the succeeding operation, the implement is inserted through another aperture and the belt again advanced. Thus the epertured belt 18' travels through an intermittent stepby-ctep movement around the lid 7, being onclosed within the hollow or tubular margins of such closure lid.

In Fig. 7 there is shown a modification, wherein in lieu of the endless traveling apertured belt 18, a series of independent studs or rollers 20 are located side by side in the channelled or tubular sides of the closure lid 7, to form a continuous series movable about the lid. The rollers are so proportioned that when closely assembled in their containing tube or channel. there will be slight play between the respective rollers or studs suliicient to permit the insertion through an opening in the sides of the channel of the selooting implement 17 between any two adjacent rollers or studs 20. That is to say, the series of studs or rollers does not quite fill the track or circuit. so that sufficient play or lost motion permitted to enable any two studs or rollers to be separated a. sufficient distance to enable the insertion oi the selecting implement 17. When this implement is inserted between adjacent studs or rollers 20 and engaged with the selected cards within the box or contuiner, it may be drawn forwardly. thus advancing the entire series of rollers or studs 20 in quite the some manner that the endless belt 1.8 is advanced.

As a further modification of this construction, there has been shown in Fig. 8 arcciprocntory bar 21, mounted for to and fro move ment in the side frame of the closure lid 7 end having; therein the apertures for the insertion of the selecting implement 17. This bur Ell is normally retracted by a. spring 22. -he selecting implement 17 being inserted through any one of the apertures 16, the implement and with it the bar 21 may be drawn forwardly against the tension of the spring 22, to tilt the separated portion of the card group. Upon release of the reciprocatory bar 21, it will be retracted by the spring 22 preparatory to the next selection operation.

' figures, and induce a clicking sound'as the rollers are displaced one against the other, or as the reciprocatory bar 21 is returned by the retraction of the spring.

In Fig. 1 there have been shown additional apertures 23, located in proximity to the bottom of the box or container 1, through which the implement 17 may be inserted and by a prying or oscillatory movement employed to straighten or adjust the cards within the box or container, or to shift their lower bearing edges within the box or container to accommodate an adjustment of the follower block 3. Such additional apertures 23 are not ordinarily necessary nor essential but may be desirable under certain conditions of use.

In lieu of the plunger stem 6 for returning the cards, the'forward follower 6 may be drawn upwardly and rearwardly by a cord 25, attached at one end to the oscillatory follower 6 and at its opposite end to the spatula 17 as shown in Patent No. 1,685,011 above referred to. This cord 25 not only prevents the spatula being misplaced, and keeps it readily at hand, but provides a convenient means by which the cards may be restored and the spatula inserted for a subsequent selection almost as a single motion. While holding the spatula preparatory to making the selection, a slight pull upon the cord 25 will restore the tilted cards The present application is a division of application Ser. No. 693,057 filed Feb. 15, 1924, since matured into Patent No. 1,685,011 dated Sept. 18, 1928.

From the above description it will be apparent that there is thus provided a device of the character described possessing the particular features of advantage. before enumerated as desirable, but which obviously is susceptible of modification in its form, proportions, detail construction; and arrangement of part-s without departing from the principle involved or sacrificing any of its advantages.

' Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. In a protected filing device, a protective housing for a series of data sheets having a transparent observation panel through which n the data sheets and their inscriptions .may be observed, means permitting adjustment of the data sheets from the exterior of the housing to expose to view any selected sheet, said housing having therein a deposit slot through which additional data sheets may be deposited in association with previously filed sheets,

and a closure member for the deposit slot by which additional data sheets may be excluded.

2. In a protected filing device, a protective housing for a series of data sheets having a transparent observation panel through which the data sheets and their inscriptions may be observed, means permitting adjustment of the data sheets from the exterior of the housing, to expose to viewany selected sheet, said housing having therein a deposit slot through which additional data sheets may be deposited in association with previously filed sheets, and means for temporarily closing the deposit slot to exclude additional sheets from the container.

3. In a protected filing device, a protective housing for a series of data sheets having a transparent observation panel through which the data sheets and their inscriptions may be observed, means permitting adjustment of the data sheets from the exterior of the housing, to expose to view any selected sheet, said housing having therein a deposit slot through which additional data sheets may be deposited in association with previously filed sheets,

and lock-controlled means for preventing the insertion of additional data sheets through said slot. 7 p

4. In a protected filing device, a protective housing for a series of data sheets having a transparent observation panel through which the data sheets and their inscriptions may be observed, means permitting adjustment of the data sheets from the exterior of the housing, to expose to view any, selected sheet, said housing having therein a deposit slot through which additional data sheets may be deposited in association with previously filed data sheets, a baffle member for closing the slot, the slotted portion of the container and the bafile being relatively adjustable to shift the slot and closure bafiles into and out of registry.

' 5. I11 a protected filing device, a protective housing for a series of data sheets having a transparent observation panel through which the data sheets and their inscriptions may be observed, means permitting adjustment of the data sheets from the exterior of the housing, to expose to View any selected sheet, said housing having therein adeposit slot through which additional data sheets may be deposited in association with previously filed sheets, and a bafi'tle member for closing the slot, the slotted portion of the housing and the bafile being relatively movable into and out of registry one with the other.

6. In aprotected filing device, a container for a plurality of data sheets including a transparent panel through which the data sheets may be observed, meansoperable from the exterior of the container for adjusting the data sheets for observation, said transparent panel having therein a series of slots .i v the lit extending substantially parallel with the data sheets within the container, through which data sheets may be deposited in association with those already within the container, a reciprocatiir x grid mounted in juxtaposition to the a? d panel. an d hay" 1g bars extending parallel with the slots and loch-controlled means for relatively 1- iifting the tral'isparent panel and the grid in relation one to the other to more the grid bars and slots into or out of registry,

7. In a protected tiling device, a container for a plurality oi data sheets including a transparent panel through which the data sheets may be observed, means operable from the exterior of the container :lor adjusting the dat beets for observatimi, said transi having therein a. series of slots substantially parallel with the data thin the container, through which data sheets may be deposited in association t'th those already within ti o container, a l mounted in juxtaposition to the slotted and having bars extending parallel ots, and means or relatively shittre transparent panel and the grid in ,n one to the other to move the grid bars s ots into and out 01 registry.

a protected tile box, a housing for a series or data sheets including a transparent panel through wuich the data sheets may be ved, s id hoiiising having a slot therein (a tending a urversely oil the data sheets for ion oi? a selective implement and meet or the same longitudinally of the slot to separate the data sheets for observation and a mov: do closure for the slot.

In protected tile box, a housing for a eerie, oi? data sheets including a transparent panel thro l which the data sheets may be rvr-d, said housing having a slot therein transn'crsely ol? the data sheets for luctiou of a selective implement and at of the same longitudinally of the separate the dat sheets for observan and a closure for said slot movable in the .n'iovement of the selective through which the data sheets may be c red, aid housing having a slot therein e. eluding transversely of the data sheets for the introduction of a selective implement and nujn'ement oi the same longitudinally of the slot to separate the data sheets for observatiou, and an apeitured movable closure for said slot.

ll. In a protected tile box, a housing for a t-itl'll'lti of data sheets including a transparent panel thror "*h which the data sheets may be observed id housing having a slot therein eatendiir "runsv rsely oi the data sheets for introduction oil a selective implement and movement of the same longitudinally of the slot through the apertures of which the,

selective implement is introduced.

13. In a protected file boX, a housing for a series of data sheets including a transparent panel through which the data sheets may be observed, said housing having a slot thercin extending transversely of the data sheets tor the introduction of a selective implement and movement of the same longitudinally of the slot to separate the data sheets for ob servation and an endless traveling apertured closure for the slot movable through a circuitous path through which the selective implement is insertable at separated intervals.

14. In a protected file box, a housing for a series of data sheets including a transparent panel through which the data sheets may be observed, said housing having a slot therein extending transversely of the data sheets for the introduction of a selective implement and movement of the same longitudinally of the slotto separate the data sheets for observation, and an endless flexible band having spaced apertures therein movable past the slot and registering therewith to form a clo sure, the selective implement being insertable through the apertures of the band and movable therewith within the limits of the slot.

15. In a protected file box, a housing for a series of data sheets including a tr; nsparent panel through which the data sheets may be observed, said housing having a slot therein extending transversely of the data sheets for the introduction ot a selective implement and movement of the same longitudinally of the slot to separate the data sheets for observation, and an apertured closure for said slot movable through a circuitous path of travel throughout a portion of which it registers with said slot and through which the selective implement may be inserted into engagement with the data sheets.

16. In a construction of the character described, a housing having an access slot in the wall thereof and a perforate closure for the slot movable longitudinally thereof through which an implement may be introduced into the housing for movement therein Within the limits of the slot.

17. In a construction of the character described, a housing having an access slot in the wall thereof for the introduction of an implement into the housing for relative movement within the limits of the slot and closure, means for progressively closing the slot in unison with the movement of the implement, s

18. In a construction of the character described a housing having in the wall thereof an access slot and a traveling closure for said slot movable longitudinally thereof, through which an implement may be introduced into the housing for travel movement in unisonv with the traveling closure.

19. In a construction of the character described, a housing having a wall provided with a deposit slot, a recessed channel bar positioned with its recessed side contiguous to the slot in said Wall for blocking said slot, said slotted wall and said channel bar being relatively movable one to the other to unblock the slot in said wall and permit inser tion of index sheets into said housing through the slotted wall. i

20. In a construction of the character described, a housing having a wall member provided with a deposit slot, a closure member within the housing and normally blocking the slot in said wall and shifting means on the exterior of thehousing, said shifting means being manually operable to move one of said members relative the other to unblock the slot in said wall member and permit insertion of index sheets into said housing through the slotted wall member.

In testimony whereof, I. have hereunto set my hand this 8th day of September A. D.

RODNEY J. WOOD. 

